Sunshine Coast Stadium expansion looks for $20 million from Federal Government

October 20, 2020

The $68 million Stage 1 expansion of the Sunshine Coast Stadium has secured bipartisan support from the Queensland Government and the State Opposition in committing $20 million towards the project - however a $20 million dollar commitment is still required from the Federal Government to enable the Stadium expansion to proceed.

The Stage 1 expansion of the Sunshine Coast Stadium is the first phase of a longer term stadium development, which would ultimately see a venue of between 20,000 and 25,000 seats delivered in time for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, should Queensland be successful in securing those events.

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson advises “with the commitment announced by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on 16th October and the commitment by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition Tim Mander a few weeks ago, the Sunshine Coast community can be confident that State Government funding will be made available for this important project - regardless of which party forms government after 31^st October.

“Our council has already committed $17 million towards this project, with local philanthropists having also agreed to commit $11 million.

“The only thing missing now is a $20 million commitment from the Federal Government which would enable our Stadium expansion to proceed.

“Clearly both the Queensland Government and the Queensland Opposition recognise the significant value that an expanded Sunshine Coast Stadium can provide to our community and our region’s economy.

“Making this project happen will provide a further stimulus for the construction industry as part of the economic recovery process and a significant platform for growing new tourism opportunities and expanding our major events calendar.

Mayor Jamieson adds “with the planning for the Stadium expansion underway so we can be in a position to start construction in 2021, we now just need the surety around the final piece in the puzzle – which is $20 million from the Federal Government.

“It’s a bit like having just won the semi-final with just have one more match to win the series.

“I have spoken with the Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace and I am aware that he has been advocating to federal Ministers to support this project.

“With the funding from the State now essentially locked in, this should provide greater impetus and assurance to the Federal Government that our Stadium expansion can - and should - proceed.

“Our council stands ready to assist Mr Wallace in persuading the Federal Government to see their way clear to committing the $20 million dollars needed for this project.

“We have already shown in spades, what our Sunshine Coast Stadium can offer by hosting NRL competition matches, two Elton John concerts and providing the home base this season for the Melbourne Storm – but we can lock in so much more if we had an expanded, contemporary venue.

“With the Stage 1 expansion, we can increase the fixed seating capacity to 11,618 seats and thus accommodate around 16,618 patrons at the venue under normal operating conditions.”

24th September 2020 - Queensland Government commits $25 million for 10,000-seat stadium at Rockhampton’s home of rugby league

17th September 2020 - Federal Government provides $23 million for new Rockhampton Stadium

25th August 2020 - eps Australia develop social distancing solution for rugby league fans at Sunshine Coast Stadium

18th August 2020 - Melbourne Storm and Sunshine Coast Council agree ongoing NRL game hosting deal

2nd August 2020 - Concerns over crowds’ failure to social distance during NRL clash at Sunshine Coast Stadium

28th July 2020 - Redeveloped Sunshine Coast Tennis Centre officially opens

10th June 2020 - Sunshine Coast Council reopens key sporting fields and courts

10th March 2020 - Lighting improving project at Sunshine Coast Stadium approaches completion

5th March 2020 - Elton John concert attracts record crowds at Sunshine Coast Stadium

14th February 2020 - Sunshine Coast marks completion of redevelopment of The Events Centre Caloundra

13th December 2019 - Plans revealed for Sunshine Coast Stadium expansion

3rd August 2019 - Expansion works commence at Sunshine Coast’s Beerwah Aquatic Centre

23rd August 2017 - Sunshine Coast Stadium first in the world to host global Color Movement event

10th May 2017 - Nitro Circus event showcases Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrade

18th November 2016 - Sunshine Coast Stadium to have capacity expanded to 10,000

18th April 2015 - Sunshine Coast Stadium to feature in South East Queensland 2028 Olympic Bid

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